Business Briefing
Union makes deal to shut NUMMI
The United Auto Workers union has reached a tentative agreement to shut down California’s sole remaining auto plant, which employs 4,600 people.
The terms weren’t disclosed but will include payouts for workers at New United Motor Manufacturing Inc., known popularly as NUMMI. The Fremont plant is slated to close April 1.
The agreement is subject to a ratification vote by the plant’s workers, which is likely to take place this week.
Toyota Motor Corp. said this month that it would spend $250 million assisting employees at the factory, which makes the Corolla sedan and Tacoma pickup.
THE ECONOMY
Industrial output beats forecasts
Industrial production edged up 0.1% in February, beating expectations and marking the eighth straight monthly increase. But the key manufacturing sector -- for months a rare bright spot -- produced less, muting hopes for a speedy recovery.
The Federal Reserve reported that manufacturing, the index’s largest component, fell 0.2% while mining and utilities increased 2.0% and 0.6%, respectively.
Manufacturing took a hit from storms that shut down most of the Northeast last month, decreasing hours worked at factories and restraining workers’ earnings. But the storms increased demand for heating energy, boosting mining and utility production.
HEALTH
Defibrillator sales suspended
Medical device maker Boston Scientific Corp. said it is suspending sales of its heart-shocking defibrillator implants after uncovering a documentation error with the manufacture of the top-selling devices.
The Natick, Mass.-based company said it would also retrieve all inventory of the devices, which were not produced in compliance with Food and Drug Administration regulations.
“The company has no indication that the manufacturing process changes pose any risk to patient safety,” Boston Scientific said.
TECH
$99 to replace an iPad battery
Apple Inc. says it will replace iPads with dying batteries for about $100.
Apple’s iPhone and iPad both have sealed-in batteries that owners can’t replace themselves. As it does with the iPhone, Apple says it will give people whose iPads have a “diminished ability to hold an electrical charge” an entirely new unit.
The service will cost $99 plus $6.95 in shipping charges.
Apple’s first iPads, which can connect to the Internet using Wi-Fi but not cellular networks, go on sale April 3. The least expensive model will cost $499.
AIRLINES
Continental to charge for food
Attention, coach passengers. Continental Airlines, which used to boast about giving away hamburgers and barbecue while rivals passed out tiny bags of pretzels, is changing its tune on food.
Houston-based Continental plans to launch a food-for-sale program that mirrors what several other carriers are doing.
A spokesman said the airline expects a $35-million annual benefit from cost savings and added revenue.
Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, US Airways and United Airlines are among carriers that already charge for food on flights.
-- times wire reports
